Autism authors aim to empower

“A Full Life With Autism” is an advice guide from the San Diego mother and son team of Chantal and Jeremy Sicile-Kira. They’ll be at the Poseidon Restaurant in Del Mar Monday for a signing. They answered questions by email.

Why did you write this book?

Chantal: The transition to adulthood for those with autism and their parents is difficult because of the lack of adult services available. I wanted to empower parents and those working with youths with autism to help them be better prepared for adulthood, as well as to encourage people to create more opportunities for those on the spectrum.

Jeremy: I think it is hard to raise someone like me and it is parents frankly who have to be strong and mentor us. My life is dependent on the help of good people.

If readers could take one message from the book, what should it be?

Chantal: We need to do a better job of preparing our youths with autism for adult life, and a better job of preparing society. It is estimated that 700,000 to 800,000 teenagers with autism over the next few years will be leaving school services and entering adult life.

Jeremy: I want people to try to understand that I have the same goals as the other people my age. We try to juggle our need for friends with the sensory challenges we face. It is dreary to be alone but hard to behave in noisy places.

Also, another message is to realize great things can very nicely happen, if you put your mind to it.

What is the most misunderstood thing among the general public about autism?

Chantal: Individuals with autism have difficulty with social and communication skills, but that does not mean they do not want to have social relationships. Often they have challenges with sensory processing, making it difficult for them to be in noisy, crowded, brightly lit places. It’s very difficult for the person with autism and their family to create sustaining relationships for the individual on the spectrum.

Jeremy: I greatly fear that my frankly nice interior is hidden very much by my body behaviors that may scare away potential friends. I want people to know that if I look like I am not paying attention to them it is because I can only see or hear but I cannot process both visual and auditory processes, so I choose to listen to what people are saying. I get better information from my hearing.

The title of the book is “A Full Life with Autism.” What are your hopes for a full life for Jeremy?

Chantal: I want what every mother wants for her child: independence, a home and neighborhood to feel comfortable in, a way to earn money, and good friends. I want him to feel safe, be loved, and be happy.

Jeremy: I want to be productive to society. I want my own home, and friends.

What are your biggest fears as Jeremy moves forward with a more independent life?

Chantal: My biggest fear is how supports will be provided for Jeremy, and who will oversee that when his father and I are no longer alive.

Jeremy: I fear I will not have friends. I am nervous about having my own place. I have anxiety about my safety.